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Ash borer found in another St. Paul neighborhood

Emerald ash borerPhoto by David Cappaert of Michigan State University, courtesy of www.forestryimages.org

St. Paul officials confirmed Thursday that another tree has been infested with emerald ash borer.

The destructive beetle was found in a tree in the Langford Park neighborhood, over a mile from where city officials first discovered emerald ash borer in May. The infestation in the South St. Anthony neighborhood killed about 80 trees.

Brad Meyer, spokesperson for the city's Parks and Recreation Department, said that the city will inspect other trees in the area to determine the extent of the infestation and create a response plan.

The emerald ash borer has already destroyed millions of trees in the United States. The beetle's larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees, and destroy the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients.

In Minnesota, the beetle has only been found in St. Paul. Meyer said that the city is applying for a state grant to fund efforts to combat the infestation, but that the paperwork process has taken longer than expected.